Craving all the cozy flavors of classic coffee cake but wish it came in a grab-and-go form? Enter Coffee Cake Cookies! They have the best of both worlds—soft, buttery cookie bases crowned with cinnamon-streusel goodness and a swoosh of sweet vanilla glaze on top. These cookies are pure comfort in every bite, delivering the warmth and nostalgia of a fresh-baked coffee cake, no fork (or crumbly slices) required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind Coffee Cake Cookies comes from an easy mix of pantry staples, each adding something special to their unbeatable texture, color, and cinnamon-kissed flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for rich, tender cookies—make sure it’s at room temperature for the best creaming.
- Light Brown Sugar: Brings a deep, caramel sweetness and classic coffee cake flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds extra sweetness and helps the cookies bake up with a slightly crisper edge.
- Eggs: The glue that holds everything together and makes the cookies moist and chewy.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash turns up the warmth and rounds out the spice.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of both the cookies and the streusel, creating structure and softness.
- Cornstarch: Secret weapon for a melt-in-your-mouth crumb!
- Baking Soda: Ensures the perfect gentle rise so your cookies are thick, not flat.
- Salt: Brightens and balances all the sweet, spicy flavors.
- Cinnamon: The soul of a coffee cake cookie—warm and inviting!
- Powdered Sugar: If you choose to glaze, this is your creamy, sweet base.
- Milk: Loosens the glaze for that pretty drizzle effect.
- Pecans or Walnuts (optional): For extra crunch and a nutty nod—toss them into the streusel if you love texture!
How to Make Coffee Cake Cookies
Step 1: Mixing the Cookie Dough
Start off by creaming together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. When the mixture turns pale and fluffy, you’ll know you’re on the right track. Beat the eggs in one at a time, then add that lovely vanilla for a boost of flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt, then gradually blend the dry into the wet ingredients. You should have a soft, fragrant dough—don’t be tempted to skip the chill! Pop it in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes to make scooping and shaping a breeze.
Step 2: Preparing the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
While the dough chills, seize the moment to whip up that irresistible cinnamon streusel. Just combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl, then stir in melted butter. You’re looking for big, crumbly clumps (the best part!). Add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for extra flavor and crunch, if you’re feeling nutty.
Step 3: Shaping and Topping the Cookies
Scoop the chilled dough into generous two-tablespoon mounds and nestle them onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to leave a little room for spreading. With a gentle press of your palm, slightly flatten each ball, then scatter a spoonful of the cinnamon streusel on top. That extra crown will crisp up beautifully in the oven!
Step 4: Baking
Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re after golden edges with a slightly underbaked middle—the cookies finish setting as they cool, which is what keeps them so luxuriously soft. Resist the urge to move them right away; wait five minutes, then let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 5: Glazing (Optional, but Recommended!)
If you want the full coffee cake experience, whisk together your powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until silky smooth. Drizzle over the completely cooled cookies—don’t be shy! The glaze adds that signature sweet finish everyone loves.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Cookies
Garnishes
Dress up your Coffee Cake Cookies with a generous swirl of homemade vanilla glaze, or finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for that classic, old-school bakery look. For a playful twist, scatter extra cinnamon or even a light sprinkle of finely chopped nuts to hint at what’s inside.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cozy cup of coffee or tea to channel their inspiration, or serve alongside a glass of cold milk for snack time perfection. If you’re hosting brunch, they’re absolutely irresistible with a bowl of fresh berries or a fruit salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Coffee Cake Cookies high on a beautiful cake stand, arrange them in a basket lined with a plaid napkin for a rustic vibe, or bundle a few in clear bags and tie with a ribbon—they make the sweetest homemade gifts. For a dessert board, mix them with mini muffins and cinnamon rolls for a breakfast-themed spread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, keep your Coffee Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The streusel stays crisp and the cookies remain plush, ready for snacking whenever that sweet tooth strikes.
Freezing
Want to stash some for later? You can freeze the baked (and cooled) cookies for up to two months. For longer storage, try freezing the cookie dough balls—just add streusel before baking and pop them straight into the oven when the craving hits!
Reheating
To refresh day-old cookies or warm a frozen batch, just pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for three to five minutes. The aroma of cinnamon and butter will fill your kitchen all over again, making them taste as good as newly baked.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough for Coffee Cake Cookies can be made up to two days ahead and stored tightly covered in the fridge. Let it soften slightly before scooping for the best texture.
What’s the best way to get perfectly crumbly streusel?
Be sure to use melted butter and gently stir it into the flour-sugar-cinnamon mix—stop as soon as clumps form. Overmixing dissolves the crumbs and gives you a paste instead of those crave-worthy nuggets.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
You sure can! Just use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through for even baking. These cookies disappear fast, so a double batch is always a hit at parties and potlucks.
What if I want to make Coffee Cake Cookies gluten free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum. The cookies will still be soft and flavorful, with just a slightly different crumb.
Do I have to use the glaze?
Not at all—Coffee Cake Cookies are delicious with or without the glaze. It’s the perfect finishing touch if you want extra sweetness, but feel free to skip it or go with just a light sugar dusting.
Final Thoughts
Coffee Cake Cookies are pure joy in portable form—whether it’s for breakfast, a sweet snack, or sharing with friends. There’s something irresistible about warm cinnamon and buttery streusel wrapped up in a chewy cookie! Give this recipe a try, and it just might become your new go-to treat for every occasion.
Print
Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes (plus chill time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of a classic coffee cake in a portable cookie form. Soft, cinnamon-spiced cookies topped with a buttery streusel and optional vanilla glaze make for a perfect sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Main Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Vanilla Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually mix into wet ingredients.
- Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes.
- Prepare streusel by combining flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter.
- Scoop portions of dough onto baking sheet, flatten slightly, and sprinkle with streusel.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on a wire rack.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
- These cookies taste just like a slice of classic coffee cake in portable form.
- For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
